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Drug Halt Hinders Executions in the U.S.

By

Nathan Koppel

Updated Jan. 22, 2011 12:01 a.m. ET

The sole U.S. maker of a key drug used in lethal injections halted its production amid a broad global campaign by opponents of the death penalty, a decision likely to cause a substantial delay in many executions across the country.

The move by Hospira Inc. came after months of pressure by activists through a new campaign aimed at pressuring pharmaceutical companies whose products are used in lethal injections. The final decision came in the face of opposition from government figures in Italy, whose constitution prohibits...

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